Board Logo

Floor pan advice
emsipops_digs_dubs - March 9th, 2009 at 05:24 PM

Hello guys, does anyone have any advice on how to fix some small rust holes in my beetle floor? I have been told u can just weld them up. I have no idea how to do this, is it hard? Never welded before but Im willing to give it a go. Is it possible to do at home without a hoist?? Any advice at all would be very appreciated, thanks guys, Emma.

71dub - March 9th, 2009 at 06:34 PM

you can buy replacement floor pans or parts depending what needs to be replaced.you do need some one that can weld though
barrie

alien8 - March 9th, 2009 at 06:42 PM

As far as the welding goes if you want to learn how to weld try asking some you know to teach you the basics or enrol in a TAFE short course. Its not really something you want to jump into with no idea. Safety first.

What size are the holes? Have you stripped the pan back to see the extent of the damaged areas? You can get replacement floor pans and sections but its not really a easy job for a beginner. I am not saying you cant do it but it does require some skill to do a nice replacement job. No hoist needed.

Could be a whole lot easier to get a pannel shop to do the work for you, but I guess that's no fun aye.
Post some pics of the damage.

LUFTMEISTER - March 9th, 2009 at 06:59 PM

clear out your interior before you cut or weld.
cover your glass when grinding as it will stick to your glass.
ALWAYS have an extingisher next to you and a garden hose ready to go when welding
only weld shinny steel to shiny steel.
gasless migs are probably best for beginners
have a go as you never know until you try
and GOOD LUCK

mangrovejack38 - March 9th, 2009 at 07:20 PM

youll need to have access to a mig welder first em,as well as the helmet and gloves etc.if you know someone with these your on your way to learning.

emsipops_digs_dubs - March 12th, 2009 at 06:34 PM

thanks for your tips guys, wondering if it would be easier to just get someone to do it. why did I fall in love with vw's!!!! oh how I love my little money pit!!

greedy53 - March 12th, 2009 at 06:36 PM

how big are t6he holes 1 inch really tiny some idea of size will get you better info

emsipops_digs_dubs - March 12th, 2009 at 06:41 PM

well I just got told today that pretty much the whole passenger side floor pan needs replacing as its got three large rust spots. to me they look like long rusty cracks rather than big round holes, prob around 8-10 inches long. I was quoted 800 bucks, does this sound fair???

mickmick - March 12th, 2009 at 06:44 PM

If thats your only costs you are lucky. $800 doesn't sound too bad if they do a good job.

emsipops_digs_dubs - March 12th, 2009 at 06:48 PM

Oh that is only one thing, I was also given a list as long as my arm :-(